WO2023181083A1

WO2023181083A1 - Extendable table and correspomding method

Info

Publication number: WO2023181083A1
Application number: PCT/IT2023/050084
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alberto PIVOTTO
Original assignee: Calligaris SpA
Current assignee: Calligaris SpA
Priority date: 2022-03-22
Filing date: 2023-03-21
Publication date: 2023-09-28
Anticipated expiration: 2024-09-22
Also published as: CN119233773A; IT202200005585A1; EP4496497A1

Abstract

An extendable table comprises a first top (12) and at least a second top (13), both mobile simultaneously between a first lowered retractable position and at least a second raised extended position, in which they are disposed side by side and coplanar with each other.

Description

“EXTENDABLE TABLE AND CORRESPONDING METHOD”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments described here concern an extendable table, preferably of the type provided with at least two tops, of which at least an extractable extension top and a main top, that is, the top of the table in the non-extended configuration.

In general, the embodiments described here can be applied to any furnishing element provided with a main resting top and at least one extractable extension top. The present invention also concerns a method for opening and closing the extendable table.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Different types of extendable tables are known, in which there is a main top and at least one mobile extension top which is positioned retractable under the main top and which can be extracted with respect to the main top and disposed coplanar and side by side therewith.

One disadvantage of known extendable tables is that the extension top is extracted manually, which is awkward, complicated, and requires physical effort and precision by the user. These tables use mechanisms to clamp and unclamp the extension top with respect to the main top, which are generally expensive to produce and complex to use, proving to be difficult to understand for the user.

Such mechanisms typically have at least one lever on which the user has to act to drive them. Moreover, the user has to accompany the movement of the extension top in order to open and close the table correctly.

There is therefore a need to perfect an extendable table and a corresponding method which can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.

In particular, one purpose of the present invention is to provide an extendable table in which movement is simple and does not require complicated clamping/unclamping mechanisms.

It is also a purpose of the present invention to perfect a method for opening/closing an extendable table which can be easily performed by any user without requiring excessive effort on his/her part.

The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

In accordance with the above purposes, the embodiments described here concern an extendable table comprising a frame provided with a fixed support structure and at least a first and a second top, which are mobile and associated with the fixed support structure.

The frame comprises a first and a second movement slider on which the first and second top are positioned, reciprocally. The first and second movement sliders are configured reciprocally mobile with respect to the support structure, one with respect to the other in a direction of movement, in such a way as to move the first and second top simultaneously from opposite sides.

In accordance with some embodiments, the table also comprises at least one extension device associated with at least the second top and with the respective second movement slider.

The extension device is configured to cooperate with the second movement slider in order to move and position the second top transversely to the direction of movement, preferably in a vertical direction, to selectively assume a first lowered retractable position and at least a second raised extended position, in which the second top is located raised with respect to the second movement slider, in such a way as to be automatically coplanar with the first top and side by side with one side thereof, and vice versa.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the extension device is able to be driven by means of alternating movement of the corresponding second movement slider in the direction of movement with respect to the fixed support structure.

In this way, it is possible to position and raise at least the second top with respect to the direction of movement, lengthening the table and, conversely, to lower it, in an appropriate manner, in order to restore the initial sizes of the table.

The movement of the second movement slider and of the corresponding second top can be direct, or obtained by moving the first movement slider and the corresponding first top.

In any case, the embodiments described here have the advantage of allowing the table to be opened and closed with a single drive by acting directly on one or the other of the first or second top.

According to some embodiments, the table comprises a movement device for selectively moving the first and second movement slider simultaneously and in synchrony from the lowered retractable position to the raised extended position, and vice versa.

The present disclosure contemplates embodiments in which the table comprises only the first top and the second top, wherein the first top constitutes a main top, and the second top is an extension top. In these embodiments, in the first lowered retractable position the second top is located under the first top, and in the second raised extended position the second top is side by side and coplanar with the first top.

It is within the ability of the person of skill in the art to provide embodiments in which the table contemplates two extension tops located at the longitudinal ends of a third central and fixed main resting top. Therefore, in additional embodiments the table can also comprise, in addition to the first and second top, a third fixed top in a central position between the first and second top. In these cases, the first and second top are extension tops, and the third top is a fixed main top. In these embodiments, in the first lowered retractable position the first and second top are located under the third fixed top, and in the second raised extended position the first and second top are side by side and coplanar with respective sides of the third top.

In all the embodiments described here, the first and second movement slider can advantageously be moved simultaneously and automatically in directions opposite to the fixed structure and parallel to the direction of movement by means of the movement device.

Thanks to such movement device, the sliding of the first and second top with respect to the fixed structure, in all its configurations, occurs with minimum effort by the user, without the need to activate other drive mechanisms, such as unclamping/clamping mechanisms, keys, levers or other auxiliary or additional mechanisms, making the table easy to open and close, reducing its components and therefore its costs and storage space.

The present invention also concerns a method for opening/closing the extendable table.

According to some embodiments, the method provides to move the first top and the second top, respectively simultaneously from opposite sides in an alternating manner in a direction of movement, so that the extension device cooperates at least with the second movement slider, selectively moving at least the second top from the lowered retractable position to the raised extended position, and vice versa, in a sequential manner.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

- fig. 1 is a top view of an extendable table in accordance with some embodiments described here, in the closed configuration; - fig. 2 is a section along line II-II of the table of fig. 1 ;

- fig. 3 is a top view of said table in an intermediate configuration between the closed configuration and the open configuration;

- fig. 4 is a section along line IV-IV of the table of fig. 3;

- fig. 5 is a top view of said table in the open configuration; - fig. 6 is a section along line VI-VI of the table of fig. 5;

- figs. 7- 9 are partly sectioned lateral views of said table in respective intermediate configurations between the open and closed configurations;

- figs. 10 and 11 are lateral section views of a trigger member of said table of fig. 1 ; - fig. 12 is a top view of an extendable table in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, in the closed configuration;

- fig. 13 is a section along line XII-XII of the table of fig. 12;

- fig. 14 is a top view of said table in an intermediate configuration between the closed and open configurations;

- fig. 15 is a section along line XIV-XIV of the table of fig. 14;

- fig. 16 is a top view of said table in the open configuration;

- fig. 17 is a section along line XVI-XVI of the table of fig. 15; - figs. 18-20 are partly sectioned lateral views of the table in respective intermediate configurations between the open and closed configurations;

- figs. 21-24 are perspective views of a part of a trigger member of said table of fig. 12.

To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can conveniently be incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications.

DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

We will now refer in detail to the possible embodiments of the invention, of which one or more examples are shown in the attached drawings. Each example is supplied by way of illustration of the invention and shall not be understood as a limitation thereof. For example, one or more characteristics shown or described insomuch as they are part of one embodiment can be varied or adopted on, or in association with, other embodiments to produce another embodiment. It is understood that the present invention shall include all such modifications and variants.

Before describing these embodiments, we must also clarify that the present description is not limited in its application to details of the construction and disposition of the components as described in the following description using the attached drawings. The present description can provide other embodiments and can be obtained or executed in various other ways. Moreover, we must clarify that the phraseology and terminology used here is for the purposes of description only, and cannot be considered as limitative.

With reference to the attached drawings, which represent non-limiting examples of the invention, some embodiments of an extendable table 10, hereafter referred to as table 10 for ease of description, are described below.

In some embodiments, the table 10 comprises a frame 11 provided with a fixed support structure 15, a first top 12 and at least one second top 13. The first and second top 12, 13 are mobile in a direction of movement X and are associated with the support structure 15.

The direction of movement X is preferably horizontal, or in any case parallel to the first and second top 12, 13, and can coincide with the longitudinal axis of development of the fixed structure 15. In other variants, the direction of movement

X can be transverse to the longitudinal axis of development of the fixed structure 15.

In some embodiments, which can be combined with all the embodiments described here, the second top 13 is an extension top. We must clarify that the embodiments described here apply both to the case in which the table 10 is provided with two tops, and in this case the first top 12 is to be understood as a main top, while the second top 13 is to be understood as a single extension top and both the tops 12 and 13 are mobile simultaneously, and also to the case in which the table 10 is provided with three tops, of which the first and second top 12, 13 are both extension tops that are mobile with respect to the fixed third main top.

Hereafter, for ease of description, we will describe by way of example, using the attached drawings, embodiments in which the first top 12 is the main top of the table 10 and only one extension top is provided, that is, the second top 13. In some embodiments, which can be combined with all the embodiments described here, the frame 11 comprises a first movement slider 20 and a second movement slider 19 on which the first and second top 12, 13 are positioned, respectively.

The first and second slider 20, 19 are configured to be reciprocally mobile with respect to the fixed structure 15 from opposite sides with respect to each other in the direction of movement X, so as to simultaneously move the first and second top 12, 13 from opposite sides.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the table 10 comprises at least one extension device 14 associated with at least the second top 13 and with the second slider 19.

The extension device 14 is configured to cooperate at least with the second slider 19 to move and position the second top 13 transversely with respect to the direction of movement X, preferably in a vertical direction. In particular, the second top 13 can selectively assume a first lowered retractable position and at least a second raised extended position, in which the second top 13 is located raised with respect to the second slider 19, so as to be coplanar with the first top 12 and side by side with one side thereof, and vice versa. The extension device 14 is able to be driven only by means of the movement of the sliders 19, 20 in the direction of movement X with respect to the fixed structure 15.

Advantageously, the extension device 14 can be driven easily by a user without the need to act on additional levers. In the embodiments shown here, the table 10 comprises only two tops, that is, only the first and second top 12, 13. The first top 12 is a main top and the second top 13 is an extension top. In these embodiments, in the first lowered retractable position the second top 13 is located under the first top 12, and in the second raised extended position the second top 13 is coplanar with the first top 12 and side by side with one side thereof.

In the embodiments in which the table 10 comprises three tops, that is, a third fixed top in a central position between the first and second top 12, 13, the tops 12 and 13 are extension tops that are mobile with respect to the third top, which is fixed. In these embodiments, the first and second top 12, 13 are made in a substantially similar manner, therefore, unless otherwise specified, the characteristics described in relation to one top, as well as to the members and components associated therewith, are also applicable to the other top. In these embodiments, the table 10 comprises an additional extension device 14 associated with the first top 12 and with the first slider 20. This additional extension device 14 is configured to cooperate with the first slider 20 in order to move and position the first top 12 transversely to the direction of movement X.

In these embodiments, the first top 12 can also selectively assume a first lowered retractable position and at least a second raised extended position, in which it is located raised with respect to the first slider 20, so as to be coplanar and side by side with the second top 13 and the third fixed top, and vice versa. This additional extension device 14 is able to be driven by means of the alternating movement of the associated first slider 20 in the direction of movement X with respect to the fixed structure 15. In these embodiments, in the first lowered retractable position, the first and second top 12, 13 are located under the third fixed main top, and in the second raised extended position the first and second top 12, 13 are side by side and coplanar with respective sides of the third fixed main top. According to some embodiments, which can be combined with all the embodiments described here, the table 10 can assume a closed configuration (figs. 1 and 12) and an open configuration (figs. 5 and 16), in which the second top 13 is in the lowered retractable position and in the raised extended position, respectively.

The second top 13 is able to be positioned in the lowered retractable position, or in the raised extended position, by means of a linear translation in the direction of movement X with respect to the fixed structure 15. The linear translation can be direct, or obtained as a result of the movement of the first top 12.

In the example described, the fixed structure 15 is provided with a pair of support longitudinal members 16 (figs. 1 and 12) parallel to each other, with at least one lateral cross member 17 which transversely connects the two longitudinal members 16, and with one or more rest legs 18 to support the frame 11.

The sliders 19 and 20 can be disposed respectively inside and outside the fixed structure 15, or vice versa. For example, the first slider 20 is disposed externally with respect to the longitudinal members 16 while the second slider 19 is disposed internally with respect to the longitudinal members 16.

In order to move the two sliders 19 and 20 simultaneously, the table 10 comprises a movement device 21 configured to simultaneously move the first and second slider 20, 19 away from/close to the fixed structure 15 in the direction of movement X from a position in which they are packed on the fixed structure 15 to an extended position, in which the second and first slider 19, 20 are extracted laterally with respect to the fixed structure 15, and vice versa.

The movement device 21 is configured to automatically and simultaneously move the first and second slider 20, 19 in the direction of movement X, in opposite directions, as a consequence of a traction or thrust applied either on one and/or on the other, or on both sliders 19, 20.

In this way, it is sufficient for the user to exert an external pulling force on at least one of the sliders 19, 20 in order to activate the movement device 21 and therefore determine the simultaneous movement of the first and second top 12, 13, thus facilitating and simplifying the opening of the table 10.

In other embodiments, the movement device 21 can be driven by means of a drive member, for example of the electric type.

Preferably, the movement device 21 is configured to move the two sliders 19, 20 away from/close to each other in the direction of movement X with respect to the fixed structure 15.

If the table 10 also comprises the third fixed main top and the first and second top 12, 13 each form an extension top, the movement device 21 can be configured to move the two sliders 19, 20 away from/close to each other in the direction of movement X symmetrically with respect to the fixed structure 15 and to the third fixed main top.

In some embodiments, each longitudinal member 16 is associated with a respective movement device 21 by means of which it cooperates with the first and second slider 20, 19 to symmetrically and simultaneously guide the second and first top 13, 12, respectively, between the closed and open configuration of the table 10, and vice versa.

The movement device 21 can be a horizontal sliding mechanism, for example of the double track/guide type, with a counterweight, with a pulley, with a rope or with a spring or with rods, or a combination of the above. In the embodiment shown in figs. 12-20, the movement device 21 comprises a transmission pulley which guides a rope connected to each slider 19, 20. This transmission pulley is pivoted rotatable on a support longitudinal member 16 which also acts as a track/guide for each slider 19, 20.

In another embodiment, schematically shown in figs. 1-9, the movement device 21 comprises a central rod 102 pivoted, in correspondence with its central part, to the fixed structure 15 and two transmission rods 103, 104.

A first transmission rod 103 is connected to a first end of the central rod 102 and a second transmission rod 104 is connected to a second end of the central rod 102, opposite the first end. The first transmission rod 103 is also pivoted to the first slider 20 and the second transmission rod 104 is connected to the second slider 19. Therefore, the traction of the first support slider 20 causes the traction of the first transmission rod 103 and consequently the rotation of the central rod 102 around the point to which it is pivoted. The rotation of the central rod 102 thrusts the second transmission rod 104 and consequently also the second slider 19 in a direction opposite to that in which the first slider 20 is pulled. For ease of description, the rods 102, 103, 104 are not shown in figs. 2, 4, 6 and from 7 to 9. We must clarify that the rest legs 18 are not displaced, and that it is the first and second top 12, 13 which are moved with respect to the fixed structure 15.

In particular, the first and second top 12, 13 can be moved symmetrically, by means of the movement device 21 , with respect to the rest legs 18 so as to obtain a single top, in the open configuration, which is equally distributed on the legs 18. Similarly, if both the tops 12, 13 are extension tops and the third main top is also provided, these extension tops can be moved symmetrically with respect to the third main top in order to distribute the weight on the legs 18 equally.

According to preferred embodiments, which can be combined with all the embodiments described here, the extension device 14 comprises a mobile support 22 associated with the second slider 19 and configured to selectively cooperate with the second top 13.

The mobile support 22 is configured to be moved with the second slider 19 in the passage from the lowered retractable position to the raised extended position, and vice versa. The extension device 14 comprises movement means 23 which define a terminally predetermined path for raising the mobile support 22 with respect to the second slider 19 in order to move the second top 13 from the lowered retractable position to the raised extended position, and vice versa.

Specifically, the raising path provides a lowered condition in which the second top 13 is in a lowered position retractable in the frame 11 and under the first top

12, and a raised condition in which the second top 13 is in the second raised extended position, coplanar and level with the first top 12, and vice versa.

In the examples given here, the movement means 23 are configured to convert the reciprocal motion between the mobile support 22 and the slider 19 in the direction of movement X into a motion in a direction transverse to the direction of movement X, that is, transverse to the plane on which the second top 13 lies. Preferably, the direction transverse to the direction of movement X comprises a vertical component. In particular, the movement means 23 act as a linear cam to convert the reciprocal movement, in the direction of movement X, between the mobile support 22 and the second slider 19 into a transverse raising/lowering motion of the mobile support 22 and, therefore, the second top 13. According to some embodiments, the movement means 23 comprise at least one guide element 24 which defines the predetermined raising path and at least one guide pin 25 suitable to cooperate with the guide element 24 and to slide along the path.

The guide element 24 and the guide pin 25 are disposed in a mating manner in cooperation with the second slider 19 and with the respective mobile support 22.

For example, with reference to the attached drawings, the guide element 24 is provided on the second slider 19 and the guide pin 25 is provided on the mobile support 22.

According to one variant, not shown, the guide element 24 is provided on the mobile support 22 and the guide pin 25 is provided on the second slider 19.

In the examples given here, the guide element 24 is an inclined shaped slot or inclined linear cam, which defines an inclined plane with a slope facing the inside of the fixed structure 15, in the opposite direction to the opening direction of the second top 13. The guide element 24 has a first end-of-travel portion 24a and a second end-of- travel portion 24b disposed at the upper part of, and offset with respect to, the first portion 24a.

The second portion 24b has a development substantially parallel to the direction of movement X defining a position of stable equilibrium of the guide pin 25 in the raised condition of the second top 13.

With reference to figs. 2, 4, 6-9 and 13, 15, 18-20, the guide pin 25 is inserted in the guide element 24 sliding inside it from the first to the second end-of-travel portion 24a, 24b, and vice versa.

According to some embodiments, the second top 13 can be rested on the second slider 19. In this case, the mobile support 22 which passes from the lowered condition to the raised condition transports the second top 13 vertically with respect to the second slider 19.

Alternatively, the second top 13 can be rested on the mobile support 22. In this case, the mobile support 22 which passes from the lowered to the raised condition, and vice versa, vertically raises with it the second top 13 which rests on it.

The mobile support 22 can comprise sustaining elements 26 configured to stably sustain the second top 13, which can be rubber elements or packings protruding from the mobile support 22, possibly rolling elements, such as rollers, needles, wheels, cylinders or suchlike. In this way, the sustaining elements 26 come into contact with the second top 13 in the passage from the lowered condition to the raised one, and vice versa, limiting friction and preventing possible wear.

These sustaining elements 26 can possibly be rolling elements able to facilitate the correct raising of the second top 13 with respect to the second slider 19.

For example, the second top 13 can be selectively removed from the second slider 19 in order to replace it with other types of top, and the sustaining elements 26 do not interfere during the replacement operations.

Moreover, the second top 13 can comprise protruding pegs (not shown) configured to be inserted sliding into suitable seatings (not shown) present in the second slider 19. In this case, the mobile support 22 can vertically raise the second top 13 with respect to the second slider 19 keeping it in the correct position with respect to the first top 12, making the protruding pegs slide inside the seatings.

The extension device 14 comprises a trigger member 40 configured to trigger the vertical movement of the mobile support 22 along the terminally predetermined raising path in order to move the second top 13 from the lowered retractable position to the raised extended position, and vice versa.

We must clarify that the trigger member 40, although in the example given here it is fixed to the fixed structure 15, is functionally comprised in the extension device 14, since it contributes to raising the mobile support 22.

The trigger member 40 is configured to cooperate with the movement means 23 to raise and lower the mobile support 22 and therefore the second top 13, thus avoiding the use of mechanisms for opening the table 10 which are complex to activate, produce and install. Two embodiments of the trigger member 40 will be described below, both also applicable to embodiments in which the first top 12 acts as an extension top. In these cases, the table 10 can comprise two extension devices 14, each associated with and suitable to cooperate with a respective slider 19, 20 with respect to the direction of movement X.

In a first preferred embodiment, schematically shown in figs. 1-11, the trigger member 40 associated with the second slider 19 comprises a central body 41 having a first end 42 pivoted to the lateral cross member 17 and a second end 43 free to rotate. Preferably, the central body 41 is pivoted in correspondence with the center of the lateral cross member 17 in the transverse direction, or in the direction of the width, of the table 10, with its first end 42 facing toward the outside and its second end 43 facing toward the inside of the table 10.

Alternatively, the first end 42 can face toward the inside and the second end 43 can face toward the outside of the table 10.

Both an abutment seating 45 and also an attachment seating 46 disposed above the abutment seating 45 are created on the second end 43.

In this first embodiment, the device 14 also comprises an attachment element 49 integrally connected to the mobile support 22, for example by means of one or more support rods 50. The attachment element 49 is disposed aligned with the central body 41 in the direction of movement X and comprises an attachment pin 51 configured to cooperate with the abutment seating 45 during the step of raising the second top 13, in which the mobile support 22 translates in the direction of movement X toward the outside of the table 10. In this raising step, the attachment element 49 slides in the direction of movement X until the attachment pin 51 abuts against the abutment seating 45, causing the translation of the mobile support 22 to stop.

Stopping the translation of the mobile support 22 causes the reciprocal translation between the latter and the second slider 19, which continues to translate in the direction of movement X, thus triggering the movement of the mobile slider

22 along the terminally predetermined path for raising the movement means 23. Furthermore, the attachment pin 51 is configured to also cooperate with the attachment seating 46 during the step of lowering the second top 13, in which the mobile support 22 translates in the direction of movement X, first away from then toward the fixed structure 15.

In this lowering step, the mobile support 22 and the second slider 19 translate in the direction of movement X away from the fixed structure 15 until the attachment pin 51 engages the attachment seating 46. Consequently, the mobile support 22 and the second slider 19 are thrust in the direction of movement X, toward the inside of the table 10. In this case, the attachment seating 46 is conformed in such a way as to momentarily retain the attachment pin 51 inside it so as to stop the translation of the mobile support 22 and cause a relative translation between the latter and the second slider 19, thus triggering the movement of the mobile support 22 along the terminally predetermined path for raising the movement means 23.

The abutment seating 45 (figs. 10 and 11) is suitable to receive against it the attachment pin 51 , and oppose the latter during the raising of the mobile support 22. The abutment seating 45 is defined by an end wall 52 of the central body 41 and a horizontally-pivoting wedge-shaped element 53 pivoted in correspondence with the second end 43 of the central body 41. The wedge-shaped element 53 is thrust into a position protruding with respect to the end wall 52 of the central body 41 by a spring 55 and it has a lower wall 56 which, together with the end wall 52 of the central body 41 , defines the abutment seating 45.

The attachment seating 46 has an internal shape, for example C-shaped, suitable to partly surround the attachment pin 51. In addition, the second end 43 of the central body 41 has the shape of an inclined plane with which the attachment pin 51 cooperates, raising the central body 41 until its second end 43 goes over the attachment pin 51 which is thus channeled inside the attachment seating 46, which partly surrounds it.

The positions of the central body 41 and of its seatings 45, 46 are coordinated along the vertical dimension, with respect to the direction of movement X, with the position assumed by the attachment element 51 during the opening and closing of the table 10.

In a second embodiment, schematically shown in figs, from 12 to 24, the trigger member 40 comprises:

- a rod 28 having a first end 29 pivoted to the lateral cross member 17 and a second abutment end 30 opposite the first pivoted end 29; - an attachment element 33 integral with the mobile support 22 and configured to slide along the rod 28 and selectively cooperate with the second abutment end 30.

In particular, the second abutment end 30 is free to rotate with respect to the first pivoted end 29 and has a downward oblong development, that is, toward the fixed structure 15, so as to constrain the travel of the attachment element 33 along the rod 28 between the first pivoted end 29 and the second abutment end 30.

With reference to figs. 21-24, the second abutment end 30 comprises an abutment seating 31 and an attachment seating 32 disposed one above the other transversely with respect to the direction of movement X.

The element 33 is configured to selectively cooperate with the abutment seating 31 or with the attachment seating 32.

According to some embodiments, the attachment element 33 is configured to cooperate with the abutment seating 31 in the passage from the lowered retractable position to the raised extended position. The attachment element 33 cooperates with the abutment seating 31 to temporarily stop the motion in the direction X, away from the fixed structure 15, of the mobile support 22, so as to cause a relative translation between the latter and the second slider 19 in order to activate the movement means 23. In this way, the movement means 23 raise the mobile support

22 along the established path, from the lowered condition to the raised condition, until it reaches the position of stable equilibrium in which the first and second top 12, 13 are coplanar.

Moreover, the attachment element 33 is configured to cooperate with the attachment seating 32 in the passage from the raised extended position to the lowered retractable position. In particular, the attachment element 33 cooperates with the attachment seating 32 to momentarily stop the motion in the direction X, toward the fixed support structure 15, of the mobile support 22, so as to cause a relative translation between the latter and the second slider 19 in order to activate the movement means 23. In this way, the movement means 23 lower the mobile support 22 from the raised condition to the lowered condition along the predetermined raising path.

With reference to figs. 21-24, the attachment element 33 is conformed in such a way as to wrap and at least partly contain the rod 28, for example having a shape which allows it to be placed astride it.

The attachment element 33 can have a curved plate 35, that is, bent into a U- shape, and an attachment pin 34 defining, with the plate 35, a transverse sliding seating 36 in which the rod 28 is inserted. According to some embodiments, the attachment pin 34 is configured to selectively cooperate with the first or with the attachment seating 31, 32.

The transverse sliding seating 36 is closed at the lower part by the attachment pin 34 which connects the two opposite sides of the plate 35, constraining the rod 28 inside it. In this way, the attachment element 33 can slide along the rod 28 parallel to the direction of movement X, at different heights with respect to the latter, without compromising the correct functioning of the extension device 14.

In particular, these heights are coordinated with the vertical dimension, with respect to the direction of movement X, of the transverse sliding seating 36 and with the position assumed by the attachment element 33 during the opening and closing of the table 10.

Advantageously, the length of the rod 28 is coordinated with the length of the table 10.

The attachment element 33, since it is integral with the mobile support 22, also has a lowered condition, in which the attachment pin 34 is provided aligned and cooperating with the abutment seating 31, and a raised condition. We must clarify that in the lowered condition, the attachment pin 34 may not be in contact with the rod 28.

Furthermore, the attachment element 33 also has a raised condition in which the attachment pin 34 is provided aligned and cooperating with the attachment seating

32. In this raised condition, the attachment pin 34 can be in contact with the rod 28.

The abutment seating 31 is configured to at least partly wrap the attachment pin 34 and has an inverted “L” shape or an annular shape, for example the shape of a quarter of a circle, or any other shape whatsoever suitable to wrap part of the perimeter of the attachment pin 34.

According to some embodiments, the attachment seating 32 is configured to at least partly wrap the attachment pin 34 and has the shape of a “C”, a “J”, a hook or a curved relief, or an annular shape suitable to wrap part of the perimeter of the attachment pin 34.

In particular, the attachment seating 32 has a shape suitable to wrap part of the perimeter of the attachment pin 34 of which two of said opposite sides are perpendicular to the direction of movement X. Optionally, with reference to figs. 13, 15, 17-20, the raising device 14 can comprise a retention element 27 to connect the mobile support 22 to the second slider 19 and to allow the correct lowering of the mobile support 22 from the raised position to the lowered position, and vice versa. The retention element 27 connects one end of the mobile support 22 to one end of the second slider 19 and allows to keep the mobile support 22 in a position of equilibrium when the second top 13 is in the raised position.

The retention element 27 can be a flexible, favorably elastic retention element, for example, but not limited to, a spring or other elastic mean. Optionally, the table 10 comprises a clamping device 60, shown only in fig. 5, configured to stably retain the tops 12, 13 in the raised extended position.

In particular, the clamping device 60 is configured to retain the second top 12 by elastic return in the position in which it is coplanar and side by side with the first top 12. The clamping device 60 comprises a retention member 61 configured to retain an abutment element 62 when the table 10 is in the raised extended position.

The retention member 61 is fixed to the lateral cross member 17 and comprises two wheels 65, 66 having an axis of rotation parallel to each other and which are pressed against each other by elastic means (not shown). The abutment element 62 is integral with the mobile slider 22 and is fixed to the support rod 50 and comprises two wedge-shaped tips 67, 68 suitable to be inserted between the wheels 65, 66 of the retention member 61. Moreover, each wedge- shaped tip 67, 68 also comprises a groove 69, 71 configured to cooperate with one of the wheels 65, 66. When the table 10 is in the raised extended position, the wedge-shaped tips 67, 68 are inserted between the wheels 65, 66 of the retention member 61, until they are inserted into a respective groove 69, 71 . The wheels 65, 66 inside the grooves 69, 71 are thrust against the wedge-shaped tips 67, 68 by the elastic means, so that the wedge-shaped tips 67, 68 are retained between the wheels 65, 66 which provide a slight resistance to the movement of the sliders 19, 20.

Please note that the clamping device 60 described here, on the one hand prevents unwanted movements of the sliders 19, 20, keeping them in a stable position, and on the other hand allows to release the movement of the sliders 19, 20 only by means of a traction thereof, without the use of levers or other complicated clamping mechanisms.

The operation of the table 10 described heretofore, which corresponds to the opening and closing method according to the present invention, comprises the following steps, which apply both in the case in which only one extension top 13 is provided, and also in the case in which the tops 12 and 13 are extension tops with respect to the third fixed main top.

According to some embodiments, which can be combined with all the embodiments described here, the method provides to move the first and second top 12, 13 respectively simultaneously from opposite sides in an alternating manner in the direction of movement X.

It does not matter whether the first 12 or second top 13 is pulled or pushed, since by applying a traction or thrust on one of the tops 12, 13, the opposite movement of the other top 12, 13 is obtained automatically and simultaneously. In fact, the first and second slider 20, 19 are kinematically connected to each other by the movement device 21, which ensures that the movement of one automatically and simultaneously also causes the opposite movement of the other. Consequently, here and hereafter, when we describe that the second slider 19 is moved, with traction or thrust, we consider that the slider 19 is moved both directly and indirectly, pulling and thrusting the first slider 20.

This movement in the direction of movement X is performed in such a way that the extension device 14 cooperates with the second slider 19 in order to take the second top 13 from the lowered retractable position to the raised extended position, and vice versa, in a sequential manner. In the first embodiment, when the second slider 19 is moved toward the outside, the attachment element 49 slides in the direction of movement X until the attachment pin 51 abuts against the abutment seating 45, stopping the translation of the mobile support 22, while the second slider 19 continues to translate in the direction of movement X. Or, in the second embodiment, the attachment element 33 slides along the rod 28 of the extension device 14 until the attachment pin 34 is inserted into the abutment seating 31 , stopping the translation of the mobile support 22.

In both cases, stopping the translation of the mobile support 22 causes the reciprocal translation between it and the second slider 19, which continues to translate in the direction of movement X, thus triggering the movement of the mobile support along the terminally predetermined path for raising the movement means 23.

Specifically, this involves the sliding of the guide element 24 with respect to the guide pin 25 which rises along the predetermined raising path from the first to the second end-of-travel portion 24a, 24b until it reaches the position of stable equilibrium in which the tops 12 and 13 are coplanar.

When the guide pin 25 reaches the second end-of-travel portion 24b it causes the translation of the second slider 19 in the direction of movement X toward the outside to stop, and the two tops 13 and 12 are coplanar.

In the first embodiment, the attachment pin 51 remains inside the abutment seating 45 during its raising, causing the raising of the second end 43 of the central body 41.

Subsequently, the user takes the second slider 19 back toward the fixed structure 15, until there is contact between the tops 13 and 12, or the third top, coplanar to each other, obtaining the open configuration.

In the first embodiment, the translation toward the inside of the fixed structure 15 also causes the disengagement between the attachment pin 51 and the abutment seating 45.

In the second embodiment, the translation toward the inside of the fixed structure 15 also causes the disengagement between the attachment pin 34 and the abutment seating 31. Moreover, in this step the attachment pin 34 translates along the rod 28 toward the pivoted end 29 remaining in contact therewith, since the attachment pin 34 is integral with the mobile support 22.

In the step of closing the table 10, the user can move, for example once again pulling it toward him/herself, the second slider 19 toward the outside of the fixed structure 15.

In this closing step, in the first embodiment (figs. 7-9), the mobile support 22 and the second slider 19 translate in the direction of movement X away from the fixed structure 15 until the attachment element 49 engages the attachment seating 46. Then, the mobile support 22 and the second slider 19 are thrust in the direction of movement X, toward the inside of the table 10. In this case, the attachment seating 46 constitutes an obstacle to the movement of the attachment element 49 and momentarily stops the translation of the mobile support 22, while the second slider 19 continues to move toward the inside of the table 10.

In the second embodiment, the attachment element 33 slides along the rod 28, with the pin 34 in contact therewith, until the attachment pin 34 is channeled into the attachment seating 32. Then, with reference to figs. 18-20, taking the second slider 19 back toward the fixed structure 15, the attachment pin 34, constrained in the attachment seating 32, will present an obstacle to the horizontal movement of the mobile support 22, momentarily stopping the latter, while the second slider 19 continues to move toward the inside of the table 10.

In both embodiments, the momentary stop of the mobile support entails the sliding of the guide element 24 with respect to the guide pin 25, thus causing the latter to come out of the position of stable equilibrium, thus passing from the second end-of-travel portion 24b to the first end-of-travel portion 24a, lowering with respect to the second slider 19 and thus also lowering the mobile support 22.

In the first embodiment, the lowering of the mobile support 22 causes the attachment pin 51 to come out of the attachment seating 46. During this passage, the wedge-shaped element 53 thrust by the elastic means 55 helps the attachment pin 51 to come out of the attachment seating 46. Subsequently, the mobile support 22 once again slides in the direction of movement X toward the inside of the table 10 together with the second slider 19 to the retractable position in which the table 10 is in the closed configuration.

In the second embodiment, the mobile support 22 lowers until it assumes the lowered condition, releasing the attachment pin 34 from the attachment seating 32 and allowing the attachment element 33 to slide along the rod 28 until the second top 13 assumes the lowered retractable position and the table 10 reaches the closed configuration.

It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts or steps may be made to the table 10 and to the corresponding method as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims.

It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art shall certainly be able to achieve many other equivalent forms of said table 10 and corresponding method, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate reading and they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection claimed in the specific claims.

Claims

1. Extendable table (10) comprising:

- a frame (11) having both a fixed support structure (15), and also a first movement slider (20) and a second movement slider (19) reciprocally mobile with respect to said fixed structure (15) from opposite sides simultaneously to each other in a substantially horizontal direction of movement (X);

- at least a first top (12) positioned on said first slider (20) and at least a second top (13) positioned on said second slider (19) and able to be selectively and alternately moved and positioned between a first lowered retractable position and at least a second raised extended position, by moving said second slider (19) because associated with an extension device (14), in which said second top (13) is coplanar with said first top (12) and side by side with one side thereof.

2. Extendable table (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that said at least one extension device (14) comprises at least one mobile support (22) associated with said at least second slider (19), mobile with respect to the latter, and also movement means (23) that define a terminally predetermined path for raising said mobile support (22) with respect to said second slider (19) from a lowered condition in which said second top (13) is in said first lowered retractable position in the frame (11), to a raised condition in which said second top (13) is in said second raised extended position coplanar and level with the first top (12), and vice versa, and also a trigger member (40) configured to trigger the movement of said mobile support (22) along said terminally predetermined raising path in order to move said second top (13).

3. Extendable table (10) as in claim 2, characterized in that said movement means (23) comprise at least one guide element (24) which defines said predetermined raising path and at least one guide pin (25) suitable to cooperate with said guide element (24), said guide pin (25) and said guide element (24) being disposed in a mating manner in cooperation with said second slider (19) and said mobile support (22).

4. Extendable table (10) as in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said trigger member (40) is configured to temporarily stop the movement of said mobile support (22) in said direction of movement (X) and cause a reciprocal movement, in said direction of movement (X), between said mobile support (22) and said second slider (19), and said movement means (23) are configured to convert said reciprocal movement, in said direction of movement (X), between said mobile support (22) and said second slider (19) into a transverse raising/lowering movement of said mobile support (22).

5. Extendable table (10) as in any previous claim from 2 to 3, characterized in that said trigger member (40) also comprises:

- a pivoted element (41 , 28) having a first end (42, 29) pivoted to said fixed support structure (15) and a second end (43, 30) free to rotate, opposite to said first end (42, 29) and comprising an abutment seating (45, 31) and an attachment seating (46, 32) which are disposed one above the other transversely with respect to the direction of movement (X);

- an attachment element (49, 33) integral with the mobile support (22) and configured to cooperate selectively with said abutment seating (45, 31) or said attachment seating (46, 32).

6. Extendable table (10) as in claim 5, characterized in that it comprises only a single pivoted element (41) disposed centrally with respect to said fixed support structure (15), and a single attachment element (49) disposed aligned with said pivoted element (41) in said direction of movement (X) and in that said second end (43) faces toward said attachment element (49).

7. Extendable table (10) as in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that said attachment element (49, 33) is configured to:

- cooperate with said abutment seating (45, 31) in the passage from the lowered retractable position to the raised extended position, raising the mobile support (22) along said established raising path from the lowered condition to the raised condition until reaching a position of stable equilibrium in which said second and first top (13, 12) are coplanar;

- cooperate with said attachment seating (46, 32) in the passage from the raised extended position to the lowered retractable position, lowering said mobile support (22) from the raised condition to the lowered condition along said raising path.

8. Extendable table (10) as in claim 5, 6 or 7, characterized in that said attachment element (49, 33) comprises at least one attachment pin (51, 34) configured to selectively cooperate with said abutment seating (45, 31) or with said attachment seating (46, 32) wherein: - in said lowered condition, said attachment pin (51, 34) is aligned and cooperating with said abutment seating (45, 31);

- in said raised condition, said attachment pin (51, 34) is aligned and cooperating with said attachment seating (46, 32).

9. Extendable table (10) as in any claim from 2 to 8, characterized in that it comprises at least one retention element (27) which connects said mobile support (22) to said second slider (19).

10. Extendable table (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it comprises a movement device (21) configured to simultaneously move both said first slider (20) and also said second slider (19) away from/close to the fixed support structure (15) in the direction of movement (X), said movement device (21) being configured to cooperate with said at least one extension device (14) and said movement means (23) in order to move at least said second top (13) from said lowered retractable position to said raised extended position, and vice versa.

11. Extendable table (10) as in claim 10, characterized in that said movement device (21) is configured to simultaneously move said first and second slider (20, 19) away from/close to each other in the direction of movement (X), reciprocally with respect to said fixed structure (15).

12. Extendable table (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that at least said second top (13) is an extension top.

13. Extendable table (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it comprises only said first and second top (12, 13), where said first top (12) is a main top and said second top (13) is an extension top.

14. Extendable table (10) as in claim 13, characterized in that in said first lowered retractable position said second top (13) is located under said first top (12), and in said second raised extended position said second top (13) is coplanar with said first top (12) and side by side with one side thereof.

15. Extendable table (10) as in any previous claim from 1 to 12, characterized in that it also comprises, in addition to said first and second top (12, 13), a third fixed top in a central position between said first and second top (12, 13) and in that said first and second top (12, 13) are respectively a first and a second extension top.

16. Extendable table (10) as in claim 15, characterized in that it comprises an additional extension device (14) associated with said first top (12) and with said respective first slider (20), said additional extension device (14) being configured to cooperate with said first slider (20) to move and position said first top (12) transversely to said direction of movement (X) in order to selectively assume a first lowered retractable position and at least a second raised extended position, in which said first top (12) is located raised with respect to said first slider (20), in such a way as to be coplanar with said second top (13) and with said third fixed top and side by side with a respective side thereof, and vice versa, said additional extension device (14) being able to be driven by means of alternating movement of the associated first slider (20) in said direction of movement (X) with respect to said fixed structure (15).

17. Extendable table (10) as in claim 16, characterized in that, in said first lowered retractable position, said second and first top (13, 12) are located under said third fixed main top, and in said second raised extended position said second and first top (13, 12) are side by side and coplanar with respective sides of said third fixed main top.

18. Method for opening/closing an extendable table ( 10) as in any previous claim from 1 to 16, characterized in that it provides to move said first and second top (12, 13) respectively simultaneously from opposite sides in an alternating manner in a direction of movement (X), so that said at least one extension device (14) cooperates at least with said second slider (19) selectively moving at least said second top (13) from said lowered retractable position to said raised extended position, and vice versa, in a sequential manner.